By Matt Markham
A good draw on paper might not necessarily mean a good draw in reality for Ultimate Machete in Friday night’s Group 1 New Zealand Derby at Addington.
The Sires’ Stakes winner and last week’s victor of the Flying Stakes has the coveted pole position in the Derby but with his gate speed yet to be truly shown, there must be some hesitation that the free-rolling pacer might be in for a hard time if he can’t hold up from the inside barrier.
It’s a tempting evil for those drawn outside him, especially Tiger Thompson, Vincent and Rakapuka Ruler who are all capable of leaving the arm, but they do so with the risk of being held out early and using energy that will be required come the business end of the race.
Rakapuka Ruler does look the most likely to press forward.
The Cran Dalgety trained runner came out jet-propelled in last week’s Flying Stakes and it was that early effort, plus the ability to hand to the right horse that ultimately gave him his chance to run second.
The Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen stable have four runners engaged in the $200,000 event as Purdon shoots for an incredible 14th win in the race.
He’s won 12 editions as a trainer and 10 as a driver including his first win which came on Mark Roy for his father Roy and brother Barry in 1993.
Meanwhile a decision is expected today on a driver for unbeaten pacer Let It Ride in the Derby.
Tim Butt was awaiting to hear back from his brother, Anthony, who was making a decision on whether or not to stay in Australia on Friday night and drive Sunny Ruby in a Group 1, or head to New Zealand to team up with the young speedster.
Craig Thornley, who has handled Let It Ride at a number of workouts and trials is the most likely to get the call up if Butt decides to stay in Australia.
Monster trotter Master Lavros will get his chance to push his case for the Rowe Cup with a good front line barrier draw in the Fred Shaw Memorial New Zealand Trotting Championship.
The Mark Jones trained trotter has picked up barrier three for the Group 1 event which he won in 2014.
With no Monbet, Marcoola or Speeding Spur currently there’s an opening for a Group 1 trotting splurge for someone if they want to take it and a fully fit and sound Master Lavros could be the sleeping giant in among all those trying to put their hands up.
Waikiki Beach will have his first New Zealand start in almost exactly two years when he lines up against Lazarus in the Gordon Roxburgh Free-For-All. The talented pacer has done all his racing in Australia since he won the Welcome Stakes at Addington back in March of 2015.
The All Stars have a strong hand in this year’s running of the Welcome Stakes with six runners engaged.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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